Kenya Simbas name 47-man squad for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers

Romanian-based scrum-half Conellias Mokoro is one of the fresh faces in the Kenya Simbas' training squad as preparations kick off for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup (RAC).

The tournament, set to take place in Uganda this July, offers the winner a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, while the runner-up will enter a pre-repechage playoff.

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The 47-man Simbas squad commenced their Rugby World Cup qualification campaign with a four-day residential camp on Sunday 26 January in Kakamega.

Mokoro is no stranger to the national stage, having played for Kenya’s under-20 side, Chipu, and featured for the Morans in last year’s Safari Sevens and the Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius, he has proven himself a versatile and reliable player.

His exposure to European rugby through his time in Romania adds a valuable edge to his game. Other players in the camp include Jone Kubu, burly forward Melvin Thairu, Simba's captain George Nyambua, and Kabras' assistant captain Eugene Sifuna.

The Simbas are eager to bounce back after falling short in the last two Rugby World Cup cycles.

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In 2022, they reached the Rugby Africa Cup final but lost to Namibia, who secured Africa’s sole ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Last year, the team finished fourth after a narrow 20-12 defeat to Algeria in the third-place playoff.

The expanded World Cup format, which increases participating teams from 20 to 24 for the 2027 edition, presents a golden opportunity for Kenya.

With more slots available, the qualification route might finally favour the Simbas, who have consistently been Africa’s second-best side behind Namibia.

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Forwards

Loosehead Props (No. 1)

1. Melvin Thairu - SCM Rugby Timisoara

2. Edward Mwaura - Kabras Sugar RFC

3. Ian Njenga - CSA Steaua

4. Andrew Siminyu - University of Johannesburg

Hookers (No. 2)

1. Eugene Sifuna - Kabras Sugar RFC

2. Celestine Mboi - Menengai Oilers

3. Khaidar Mohamed (also plays as Loosehead Prop) - Kenya Harlequin FC

4. Teddy Akala - Kabras Sugar RFC

5. Griffin Musila - KCB RC

Tighthead Props (No. 3)

1. Wilhite Mususi - KCB RC

2. Ephraim Oduor - Kabras Sugar RFC

3. Desterious Ifedha - Menengai Oilers

4. Emmanuel Otieno - Kabras Sugar RFC

5. Erick Miheso (also plays Loosehead Prop) - KCB RC

Locks (No. 4 & 5)

1. Hibrahim Ayoo - Menengai Oilers

2. Andycole Omollo - KCB RC

3. Hillary Odhiambo - Kabras Sugar RFC

4. Hillary Baraza - Nondies RFC

5. Emmanuel Silungi - KCB RC

Flankers (No. 6 & 7)

Blindside Flankers (No. 6):

1. George Nyambua - Kabras Sugar RFC

2. Collins Indeche - Kabras Sugar RFC

3. Ahmos Obae - Menengai Oilers

Openside Flankers (No. 7):

1. Charles Omondi - Nondies RFC

2. Elkeans Musonye - Menengai Oilers

3. Clinton Odhiambo - Menengai Oilers

Number 8

1. Jeanson Misoga - Kabras Sugar RFC

2. Sheldon Kahi - Kenya Harlequin FC

3. Obat Kuke - KU Blak Blad

Backline

Scrum Halves (No. 9)

1. Cornelius Mokoro - CSA Steaua

2. Samson Onsomu - Menengai Oilers

3. Emmanuel Opondo - KCB RC

Flyhalves (No. 10)

1. Brian Wahinya - KCB RC

2. Barry Young - Kabras Sugar RFC

3. Jone Kubu - Kabras Sugar RFC

Wings (No. 11 & 14)

Left Wing (No. 11):

1. Beldad Ogeta - Menengai Oilers

2. Griffin Chao - Kabras Sugar RFC

Right Wing (No. 14):

1. Derrick Ashihundu - Kabras Sugar RFC

2. Alfred Orege - Kabras Sugar RFC

Centres (No. 12 & 13)

Inside Centres (No. 12):

1. Walter Okoth - Kabras Sugar RFC

2. Wiseman Aganya - Kenya Harlequin FC

3. Paul Mutsami - Kenya Harlequin FC

Outside Centres (No. 13):

1. Richel Wagila - Kenya Harlequin FC

2. Bryceson Adaka - Kabras Sugar RFC

3. Charles Odhiambo - Nondies RFC

4. Tyson Maina - KCB RFC

Fullbacks (No. 15)

1. Abdultwalib Wesonga - Menengai Oilers

2. Timothy Omela - Menengai Oilers